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Cadet

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MPD is constantly working to grow its ranks and actively recruits talent. Nowhere is this more important than in our Cadet Corps pipeline.

Becoming A Cadet

The MPD Cadet Corps is a specialized program for 17- to 24-year-old Washingtonians to serve part-time as uniformed, civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, you will earn a salary, while also taking college courses, and will earn up to 60 tuition-free credits toward a degree – putting you on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program.

The Cadet Corps is a place to learn hands-on about policing while attending the University of the District of Columbia Community College and earn college credits. Cadets will spend part of their time working specific job assignments for MPD while also working toward their degree.

  • Qualifications

    • Qualifications: 

    • Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, at the time of application.
    • Reside in the District of Columbia and agree to remain a resident until completion of the program.
    • Be between the ages of 17 and 24 years old at the time of application.
    • Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation.
    • Successful completion of a polygraph exam.
    • Successful completion of a medical and psychological evaluation.
    • Must have proof of one of the following:
      • Be currently enrolled in a District of Columbia high school; OR
      • Be a graduate of a District of Columbia high school, having received a diploma; OR
      • Be a recipient of a GED issued by the District of Columbia.
  • Application Process

    • Cadet Application Process:

    To be considered, applicants must complete the following in sequence:

    1. Complete an MPD interest card to receive an invitation (within 5-10 days) to an upcoming orientation.

    2. Attend the mandatory orientation.

    3. Undergo a panel interview.

    4. Receive permission from parents or guardian, if you are under 18 years old.

    5. Undergo a background investigation.

    6. Take a Polygraph test.

    7. Submit to a medical and psychological evaluation.

    8. MPD review and decision.

  • Pay & Benefits

    • Pay & Benefits:

    • Starting salary of $34,432.
    • Annual Leave.
    • Paid Holidays.
    • Retirement Benefits.
    • Uniforms and Equipment.
    • Health Insurance.
    • Sick Leave.
    • Paid College Tuition.*
    • Conversion to Career Police status.**

    *Cadets must be full-time students at UDC and full-time civilian employees with MPD.

    **Cadets convert to career police status upon completion of up to sixty (60) college credits and acceptance into the Recruit Officer Training Program phase.

     

  • FAQs

    • FAQs:

    What is the Police Cadet Corps?
    The Police Cadet Corps is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Officer Recruit Program and ensures that a steady stream of District of Columbia youth are actively recruited as future police officers. 

    How does a cadet qualify for college tuition benefits?
    Cadets must be full-time students at UDC and full-time civilian employees with MPD.

    How long does it take for a cadet to convert to a full-time police officer?
    Cadets convert to career police status upon completion of up to sixty (60) college credits and acceptance into the Recruit Officer Training Program phase.

    Still have questions? Check the MPD Helpdesk to see if we’ve answered it.

    Join our Team

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      To be an MPD officer is to be part of something bigger than yourself — to be entrusted with the duty to serve and protect in one of the world’s greatest cities. MPD is a special place where a collection of eclectic officers from diverse backgrounds come together as colleagues and friends to ensure the safety and security of the residents and visitors of our nation’s capital.

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    • Cadet

      The MPD Police Cadet Corps is a specialized program for 17- to 24-year-olds to serve part-time as uniformed civilian employees. As a member of the Cadet Corps, you will be on track to enter MPD’s Police Officer Recruit Program. Serving as a cadet will afford you the opportunity to learn hands-on about policing while attending college and earning college credits.

      Learn More

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